B6 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, August 17, 1994 Most people have heard that the three major characteristics of a wise real estate choice are “location, lacation, location.” What this really means is that a home buyer is buying more than a home. He's buying a neighbourhood and lifestyle as well. You can change the interior or exterior of a home.to suit a family.You can change the landscaping to suit your gardaning hobby, but it is difficult to move a house if a neighborhood doesn't prove satistactory. Many facters should be considered before choosing a neighborhood - the value of properties all round the home you're considering; the care and maintenance by other property owners in the area; the future prospects for the street and the entire region. You must view the purchase of a home as an investment in the future, so while you' re dealing with the present, be sure to think of the years to come as well. Researching a location: for liveability and investment takes time, effort and expertise, so depend on your real estate agent to give you Looking for a home takes a lot of effort. Here's achecklist to make your search a little easier. In one comprehensive — format, comparing the pros and cons of. . potential real estale buys becomes a cinch. this professional service. 2 can provide Multiple Listing Services sales data that covers the general area you re considering. He can check with municipal offices to find if any zoning changes are being contemplated. You'll: want to know if a main transit artery is being considered for the area, or lf a warehouse or shopping centre may be built there in future. REALTORS can also give you an outline of thea various services and faciiities you'll find in the neighbourhood, from schools to parks, churches to convenient shopping. Evaluating the neighbourhoed for liveability falls on your shoulders because you are the one who knows your family's needs and priorities. You'll save a lot of time if you reveal these to. your salesman right in the beginning so he or she will be selective in the properties you're shown. When you find a home that appeals, walk around the neighbourhood to assess the calibre of other homes and gardens. Be sure. the property you're considering is of the same general value as those Location, location, location surrounding it.. Determine if the yard work is going to take more of your leisure time than you're willing to spend, or that the existing surroundings provide adequate recreational space for your growing family. While you're at it, compare the new property to the area where you now live. If you're used to having many shade trees and the new property has none, will you miss them? Is the area hilly, while you're accustomed to level streets? Will this be a difficulty to any aging member of your family? is there enough parking tor the vehicles you now have, or that your family could conceivably acquire in the naar future? If your family will soon be moving up to postsecondary education, is there a_ college/university ‘close by, or a transit. route that makes access _ convenient? Doing this kind = of evaluation is necessary to assure the three priorities of purchase -- location, location, location, Those three equate to home, neighbourhood and lifestyle, all equally important to your future satisfaction in the property you choose, RAPALA PY hel dil ral Tj £ CAPA PALA ADA i" _ PALA PAL Re aMLaRAGS arin eat Take this _/ helpful guide on your house-hunting adventures! _Your Checklist For Buying A Home House #1 House #2 House #3 House #4 Address Location Price Realtor's Phone Number Neighbourhood Characteristics Size of Lot Number of Rooms Extra Space of Value Special Features Pacultaritles Major Replacements Minor Replacements Appliances Financing Taxes/ Assessments Utility Costs Schools Transportation Family Reactions Landscaping “TERRACE STANDARD. BEAN -REAARX REAARK - REAABK-REAAIX REAR JREAART REAABK REA REM REAR REAAN | PWILL PICK US UP P DESIGNATED Bm ORIVER Keith Estates EXC $154,900 experienca in real estate. 635-7068 richard evans REMI: ©. Thornhill MLS $109,900 Horseshoe EXC $79,500 Ro 8 years experence In tual estate, 638-8882 john evans BENCH PARK View properties Only 15 iots left: GST equivalent rebate $36,000 to $79,000 MLS ; experience In real estate. 635-4773 UA AS XAOS erika langer Bench MLS $199,000 6 years experiance in real estate. 635-2697 joyce findlay 2 years experience In real estate, 635-3004 sheila love XREAK REA a? Kelth Estates EXC $148,500 Horseshoe (Comm) MLS $169,500 experience In leel estate, 635-3389 verne ferguson 7) ov ge 2 years experience In teal estate, 635-3833 olga power "REMARK REAAX 2 years experiance In taal estate, 635-6236 diana wood “REAARK ~ REAAK oe experience In (eal astate, 638-0047 steve cook CREAR + RIAA WA OR OR RA OR ORO OR ORO Oa” ae WAR